Not all improvements and remodeling projects will produce an increase in the sales price that would offset the cost of doing the improvement. Check this website out for estimates of the return on the amount a project would cost.
Houzz Remodeling Website
Remodeling Cost vs Benefit
Keep up with the housing market to find out about loan interest rates and area trends
Housing Trends News Letter
Understand the home buying process and your rights as a purchaser or as a tenant using the following links to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
HUD
Shopping for a Loan
Assistance Programs – programs and information about home purchasing
Section 8 Housing – Federal rental assistance program
Texas First Time Home Buyer Program – if you haven’t owned a house for three years you may qualify for this program.
Affordable Housing Programs – lots of programs for various situations. Check it out.
Texas Heroes Program – special programs for U. S. Veterans, fire, police, teachers, etc.Texas Affordable Housing Corporation – down payment assistance programs addressing the housing needs of low-income families and underserved communities.
What is title insurance? This is the insurance policy that protects you from many problems that could arise with ownership of your property after the sale. Check out this explanation of title insurance and pay particular attention to Appencix “C” as this is the “Clear to Close” section of the title commitent. This appendix has the items that must be cleared before closing or they will not be covered or they may prevent a policy from being issued.
Residential Inspection Services
You should hire an inspector with a good reputation, is a member of one of the trade associations, has the tools to the job right. Ideally, The company should be able to handle any situation that may come up during the inspection like issues with the roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and foundation. To do this right, they should have the latest tools that make the job more complete. The tools, such as infrared cameras, and electronic level. These devices are expensive and show the inspectors investment and commitment to do the job right. The inspector should be a member of the local MLS and have SupraKey access so they can schedule the inspection and enter the house without having to have someone there to let them into the property.
Residential Inspections Companies:
SweetHomeInspectors.com
TexanInspection.com
PillarToPost.com
InspectorTeam.com (Bryan & Bryan)
FoxInspectionGroup.com
Other Redidential Inspection Companies can be Found Here:
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
Home Warranty Companies.
There are many good companies the provide residential service contracts that will help to insure that your out-of-pocket cost for repairs for appliances, air conditioning systems (HVAC), plumbing issues, and electrical problems for the first year after you purchase your house. Make sure you compare the plans from each company and I always recommend that home owners buy the top-of-the-line policy to unsure that they get the best coverage. It is important to make sure that you understand what is not covered as well along with the annual cost for the first year and subsequent years. Check the reviews for the various companies and talk to your agent to find the company that is right for you.
Home Warranty Companies Reviews
Crime is always a major concern for people that are moving to a new area. Check the following links to get information on crime statistics in any area.
Crime Reports for Your Area
Texas Sex Offender Registry
Are your property taxes so high that you can’t afford to live in your house any more? If you are age 65 or older or if you are disabled you may be able to defer your property taxes for as long as you live in your home.
Defer Your Property Taxes